Varney Wines Grenache 2022 [JH 94]

An address ascending. Its GSM, the only one with the prerequisite rivets of savoury tannin, spice and Mediterranean aura in the country. This, its acolyte, is by far the best release of grenache here to date. Mercifully, devoid of eucalyptus. Cherry pie, pomegranate, persimmon, kirsch and a broad slake of star anise, dried thyme and lavender. Alan Varney understands the need for tannin, the pinion of compression and the inherent tension that comes with it, as much as the bulwark against fruit sweetness, something that comes a little too easy in this country. A rather fine wine at a very fair price. 94 points.

Ned Goodwin MW

Published 02 August 2023

100 dozen made.

• THE VINEYARD

  Old Bush Vine Grenache of 70+ years sourced from two distinguished sites in the McLaren Vale sub-regions of Blewitt Springs and Seaview.

• WINEMAKING

  Harvested slightly early to retain natural acidity and vibrancy. Hand-Picked. Cold soaked. 50% whole bunch wild fermented carbonic maceration. 15 - 28 days on skins in headed down open fermenters. Pressed to seasoned French oak. Matured for 7 months and racked once prior to bottling. 100% Grenache